In the captivating tale of "Dororo," the central character is Hyakkimaru, portrayed by the talented Satoshi Tsumabuki. Hyakkimaru is not just any warrior; he is a man driven by a powerful sense of purpose as he embarks on an extraordinary quest to reclaim 48 of his body parts, which were sacrificed to demons in a dark pact made by his father. This quest is not only a fight for physical restoration but also a journey toward reclaiming his humanity. The stunning visuals depict Hyakkimaru's struggles against the grotesque demons that guard his missing parts, showcasing his martial prowess and indomitable spirit as he faces monstrous foes with a mix of ingenuity and tenacity.
Joining Hyakkimaru on his perilous journey is the spirited thief Dororo, brought to life by the talented Ko Shibasaki. Dororo's own backstory is equally compelling, as she is on a personal mission to avenge the tragic death of her parents, who fell victim to the brutality of a war-torn world. Her fierce resolve and resourcefulness make her a valuable ally to Hyakkimaru, as she utilizes her skills in thievery and survival to navigate the dangers that lie ahead. Together, they form an unlikely duo, bonded by their shared pain and mutual determination, facing both external adversaries and their inner demons with courage.
"Dororo" is a richly woven narrative that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the pursuit of justice. The chemistry between Hyakkimaru and Dororo is electric, as their personalities complement and challenge each other throughout their journey. As they encounter various characters and face moral dilemmas, the series delves into the complexities of sacrifice and the implications of one’s choices in the quest for vengeance and restoration. The combination of stunning animation, compelling storytelling, and dynamic character development makes "Dororo" not just an adventure tale, but a profound exploration of what it means to seek one's place in a chaotic world.
Full Cast of Dororo
Satoshi Tsumabuki
Hyakkimaru
Satoshi Tsumabuki delivered a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as Hyakkimaru in the live-action adaptation of "Dororo." Despite the challenge of portraying a character who is born without 48 body parts, which are stolen by demons, Tsumabuki managed to convey the protagonist's internal struggle and yearning for completeness with a depth that transcended the physical limitations of his role. Through nuanced expressions and a remarkable physicality, he captured the essence of Hyakkimaru's resilience and the complexity of his journey to reclaim his humanity. Tsumabuki's portrayal was a testament to his versatility as an actor, as he brought a sense of vulnerability and strength to the character, allowing audiences to empathize with Hyakkimaru's plight and root for him as he embarks on a perilous quest to defeat the demons and restore his body. His performance was not only a highlight of the film but also a profound interpretation that paid homage to the spirit of the original manga and anime series.
Ko Shibasaki delivered a compelling performance as the titular character in the 2007 live-action adaptation of the classic manga series "Dororo." As Dororo, Shibasaki adeptly portrayed the character's complex blend of streetwise cunning and vulnerability, bringing depth to the young orphan who befriends a cursed samurai. Despite the challenge of embodying a character that had previously been depicted in animation and comics, Shibasaki's Dororo was both endearing and fiercely independent. Her interactions with the protagonist, Hyakkimaru, were filled with a mix of playful banter and genuine concern, showcasing her ability to convey a wide range of emotions. Shibasaki's portrayal was physically demanding as well, as she displayed agility and grace in the action sequences, which were choreographed to reflect Dororo's stealthy and tenacious nature. Her performance was a highlight of the film, capturing the essence of a character beloved by fans and adding a new layer to the rich tapestry of the "Dororo" narrative.
Kiichi Nakai
Kagemitsu Daigo
Kiichi Nakai's portrayal of Kagemitsu Daigo in the 2007 live-action film 'Dororo' is a complex and multifaceted performance that delves into the dark recesses of power and ambition. Nakai captures the essence of a man who, driven by a desperate desire to save his war-torn land, makes a diabolical pact with demons, sacrificing his newborn son's body parts for the prosperity of his realm. As the film progresses, Nakai skillfully reveals the layers of Kagemitsu's character, from a cold, ruthless lord to a man haunted by the consequences of his choices. His performance is marked by a stoic intensity, as Kagemitsu grapples with the guilt of his actions and the realization of the true cost of his ambition. Nakai's Kagemitsu is a man caught in a tragic Shakespearean struggle, his once unyielding determination eroding under the weight of his own hubris, making his character both a villain and a victim of his times. His interactions with the titular character, Dororo, particularly towards the climax, showcase a poignant transformation, as he confronts the monstrous reality he has created. Nakai's nuanced acting ensures that Kagemitsu's arc is one of the most compelling and thought-provoking elements of the film.
Yoshio Harada delivered a compelling performance as Jukai in the movie 'Dororo,' a live-action adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga series. As Jukai, Harada brought to life the complex character of a doctor turned demon hunter, who is haunted by the loss of his own children and seeks redemption by aiding the young protagonist, Dororo. Harada's portrayal was imbued with a deep sense of sorrow and moral conflict, effectively capturing Jukai's inner turmoil as he grapples with the consequences of his past actions. His presence on screen was commanding yet tormented, showcasing Harada's ability to convey the depth of Jukai's pain and his relentless determination to rescue the cursed children from the clutches of the malevolent beings that plague the land. Harada's nuanced performance added a layer of humanity to the supernatural world of 'Dororo,' making Jukai a memorable and poignant character in this dark fantasy epic.
Eita Nagayama delivered a compelling and emotionally charged performance as Tahomaru in the 2019 live-action adaptation of "Dororo." As the younger brother of the protagonist, Hyakkimaru, Tahomaru is a character fraught with complexity—raised in the shadow of his cursed sibling, he grapples with feelings of resentment, loyalty, and a deep-seated desire for his father's approval. Nagayama portrays Tahomaru with a nuanced balance of strength and vulnerability, capturing the internal struggle of a young man torn between his love for his family and the harsh realities of his war-torn world. His performance is characterized by intense sword fights and moments of quiet introspection, highlighting Tahomaru's evolution from a hot-headed youth to a mature leader who must reconcile his own ambitions with the greater good. Nagayama's portrayal adds depth to the film's exploration of themes such as destiny, brotherhood, and redemption, making Tahomaru a standout character in this reimagining of the classic manga.
Mieko Harada delivers a compelling performance as Yuri in the movie 'Dororo,' bringing depth and complexity to a character caught in a web of loyalty, love, and survival. Harada's portrayal of Yuri is nuanced, capturing the essence of her internal conflict as she navigates the treacherous world of feudal Japan. Her expressive eyes and subtle facial expressions convey the unspoken turmoil of a woman who is both a dedicated nurse to the young thief Dororo and the lover of the villainous daimyo, Tahomaru. Harada's performance is particularly poignant in the moments where Yuri's fierce protectiveness over Dororo clashes with her subservience to Tahomaru's will, showcasing her ability to balance strength with vulnerability. Her presence on screen is magnetic, and she infuses Yuri with a tragic dignity that resonates with the audience, making her one of the more memorable characters in the film's tapestry of personalities.
Motomu Kiyokawa was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
Crew of Dororo
Full backstage crew list →
